 Tens of thousands of millions participated in Friday rallies in the capital Bamako ahead of Sunday's constitutional referendum. The military government, led by Assime Goyta, supports a yes vote on the new secular constitution. Opponents of the bill reject a secular state. The draft constitution is part of a series of reforms undertaken by the military junta to justify delaying the transition to civilian rule until 2024. The new constitution strengthens the rule of the present by giving a prominent place to the armed forces, national sovereignty and the fight against corruption. It also legitimizes traditional authorities and languages and creates a senate.